Ramon Foster has been in and out of the offensive line rotation this season, but started his second consecutive game Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. Coach Mike Tomlin said he will remain there, which allows Foster to alter his approach to this Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

"Knowing that you're going to play [makes] your mindset a little bit different as far as backing up," Foster said.

Foster was inactive for the first two games of the season, then played in the next four. He was inactive for two more, but started in place of injured left guard Chris Kemoeatu in the loss Nov. 14 to the New England Patriots. He started at right guard against Oakland and, since he will stay there, changed his preparation slightly for this week.

"Just getting better detail by getting more plays in practice," he said. "It's a little bit more but there's nothing we can't handle."

Tomlin said he liked the intensity and physicality Foster brought, as well as the way he worked with tackle Flozell Adams. Foster said the team has to try to run to the right side behind the two of them, but there's a gap between saying they can run behind the right side of the line and doing it.

"Flozell's a big guy, I'm a big guy, also," Foster said. "[Center] Maurkice [Pouncey] is a fighter. We can say it but we still got to go out and do our job."

The linemen know the pass protection communication for the most part, Foster said, although the Patriots threw several looks at the line that other teams might see on film and try to exploit.

"I'm sure we're going to see some stuff in the front as far as the passing game but we just have to communicate on the same level and we'll be fine," he said.

Foster said the Bills' defense, which has three sacks in the past two games, presents a challenge not reflected in their record.

"We got to respect them and they're 2-8, but they're playing better than a 2-8 team," he said. "We just got to respect them. We're playing in their home. It's Thanksgiving weekend so the crowd will be into it."
Injury report

Safety Troy Polamalu, who has a strained Achilles tendon, practiced Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game on the team's injury report. Tight end Matt Spaeth (concussion) practiced Thursday but did not practice Friday and is listed as doubtful. Receiver Antonio Brown (knee) has been ruled out.